Q:
What is omental infarction?
A:
Omental infarction is a rare cause of acute abdomen. It typically simulates acute appendicitis and includes abdominal pain of a few days’ duration. This condition has a non-specific clinical presentation. Omental infarction occurs in a fair number of pediatric patients (approximately 15% of cases).
Symptoms
Patients may present with:
- sudden onset of abdominal pain
- right lower quadrant pain and tenderness
- absence of fever and gastrointestinal symptoms
- encountered in healthy patients, such as marathoners, because of low omental blood flow
Radiological Findings on CT
- Most often located in the right lower quadrant
- focal area of fat stranding
Treatment
This condition is often self-limiting and can be managed conservatively. Conservative treatment may include：
- antibiotics
- anti-inflammatory medication
- pain medication
Keywords: omental infarction;abdominal pain;conservatively
